The North Carolina Tar Heels have encountered significant difficulties with their post play this season, a stark contrast from previous years. The team's struggles came to light during their recent 83-70 defeat against Louisville. Head coach Hubert Davis has expressed concerns about the team's shot selection and execution, especially in crucial moments. Key players like Jalen Washington and Ven-Allen Lubin have underperformed, while others like James Brown and Ty Claude remain underutilized.

Post Players Struggle to Make an Impact

The Tar Heels' big men have failed to establish dominance in the paint this season. Despite having promising talent, several players have not met expectations. Jalen Washington, stepping into the starting center role after two seasons behind Armando Bacot, has struggled to make an impact. His limited playing time and modest contributions highlight the team's ongoing issues. Meanwhile, highly recruited James Brown and Ty Claude see minimal court time, leaving much of their potential untapped.

In the loss to Louisville, Washington provided some relief with seven points and six rebounds in just 17 minutes, making him the most effective big man on the court. However, Jae’Lyn Withers, who began the season as the power forward, managed only two points and five rebounds in 16 minutes off the bench. Ty Claude’s brief three-minute appearance was marred by two fouls, further emphasizing the team's reliance on inexperienced or underperforming players. These performances underscore the pressing need for improvement in post play.

Execution and Discipline Lacking in Crucial Moments

The Tar Heels' shortcomings extend beyond individual player performance to overall team execution and discipline. Coach Hubert Davis noted that poor shot selection and missed opportunities plagued the team, particularly in the first half. The inability to capitalize on attacking the basket and finishing plays around the rim contributed significantly to their downfall. This lack of execution became even more evident in the final minutes of the game.

Ven-Allen Lubin’s struggles exemplify these broader issues. Despite starting in recent games, he scored just five points in 21 minutes off the bench, hitting only one field goal out of five attempts. A critical moment occurred when UNC trailed by one point late in the game. Lubin’s defensive lapse resulted in fouling Louisville guard Chucky Hepburn, who subsequently made three consecutive free throws, widening the gap. Davis emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline and executing details in high-pressure situations. For the Tar Heels to salvage their season, addressing these fundamental flaws is imperative.